Township to Honor The Grand Food Center at Annual Town Meeting

The Grand Food Center will be honored with the Friend of the Township Award at this year’s Annual Town Meeting in recognition of the company’s long-standing commitment to the Food Pantry. The grocery’s owners, Chris Barber, Dan Klebba and Kevin Salus, have a strong commitment to charitable giving and the community in which they do business. The Township Food Pantry has been the main benefactor of The Grand’s philanthropic efforts for many years now, and the Township trustees and staff wish to express appreciation. The Annual Town Meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka, and all residents are welcome.

The need in our community has risen and, as a result, Food Pantry usage has tripled over the last three years. The expanding need has necessitated more formalized organizational structure and strong partner relationship. The Grand has been consistently willing to oblige the changing needs of Pantry clients with innovative programs and on-going support. Management is always generous and responsive. Most importantly, the food donated is fresh, high quality and varied so clients have a selection from which to choose.

Mr. Barber states, "The Grand is in the food business and New Trier Township is in the food distribution business, so it’s a natural partnership. We are blessed with the opportunity to provide fresh food, and we want to do all we can to help eliminate hunger in our community." Supervisor Brennen explains that the Food Pantry could never have the selection of fresh meat and produce currently offered to clients if it were not for the assistance of The Grand Food Center.

Residents interested in making a donation to the Township Food Pantry or bringing community groups to tour and see how the Pantry operates may contact Community Service Administrator Brian Leverenz at 847-446-8203 or bleverenz@newtriertownship.com.